Things to do in Airlie Beach

All about Airlie Beach

When to visit

Blessed by a subtropical climate, Airlie Beach is great to visit at any time of year. It is also a particularly appealing winter escape; while more southern areas of Australia are feeling the chill, Airlie Beach enjoys some of its best weather from June through September. This period is also the best time to spot migrating humpback whales. The town can get very busy during the country’s three-week school holiday in September and early October, so avoid that window if you don’t like crowds.

Getting around

Airlie Beach is compact, and you can reach most attractions and services by foot. A public bus connects the town with Prosperpine and Shute Harbour, and you can also see more of the area by booking a tuk-tuk tour. If you’re arriving by plane, you’ll want to book a shuttle service to reach your hotel. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands; the departure points for tours to the archipelago are located in the town center or very nearby.

Traveler tips

While most visitors use Airlie Beach as a base for sailing trips around the Whitsunday Islands, there’s plenty of natural beauty to see on the mainland, too. Head to Conway National Park, just south of town, to explore multiple hiking trails, swaths of ancient rainforest, mangroves, and secluded beaches and to look for wildlife, including paradise kingfishers and the Proserpine rock-wallaby. Guided tours departing from Airlie Beach offer a convenient way to see it all.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Airlie Beach known for?

Airlie Beach is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the main port for ferries and cruises to Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays. The lively seaside town also has renowned nightlife, white sand beaches, and accommodation options for everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers.

How do I spend a day in Airlie Beach?

With just one day in Airlie Beach, most travelers opt for a day trip to Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands. For the ultimate experience, include a seaplane or helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, and then cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef to swim and snorkel.

Can you swim at Airlie Beach?

Yes, Airlie Beach has two beaches—Airlie Beach and Boathaven Beach—both a short walk from the town center. The rocky shores of Airlie Beach are better suited for sunbathing than swimming, and Boathaven Beach has white sands and a summer swimming area complete with a stinger net.

What is there to do in Airlie Beach at night?

Renowned as one of Queensland’s party capitals, Airlie Beach has a buzzing nightlife and a lively backpacker scene. Bars, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs line the main street, Shute Harbour Road, where you can spend the night sipping happy hour cocktails, tucking into tapas, and dancing into the early hours.

How long is the ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?

Ferries from Airlie Beach take about 60 minutes to reach Hamilton Island (depending on weather conditions). Up to nine passenger ferries depart daily from the Port of Airlie Marina, arriving at Hamilton Island Marina. Ferries also depart from Shute Harbour (just south of Airlie Beach), taking around 35 minutes.

Is Airlie Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Airlie Beach is the closest ferry port to explore the lower Great Barrier Reef or cruise out to Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands. Not to mention it has white sand beaches, buzzing nightlife, and the rainforest hiking trails of the Conway National Park right on its doorstep.

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